SARAH - AT 5:36 P.M. ET:  Almost lost in all the excitement about the vast progress toward world peace and clean sidewalks being made at the UN this week is the fact that Sarah Palin, speaking outside the United States for the first time, made a significant speech in Hong Kong.  It was closed to the press, but, inevitably, a recording got out, and reporters were able to interview guests.

Some of the press reports contained the usual sneering.  I mean, how could this woman be taken seriously?  And reporters were quick to point out that some guests walked out, which will get them invitations to the best parties.  CNN went further, naturally, and proved through "man in the street" interviews that Palin wasn't known in Hong Kong at all.  An eager scribe showed pictures of Sarah to passers-by, who didn't recognize her.  I wonder if they would have recognized photos of Obama last year. 

But Sarah got good marks from a number of guests for a speech in which she advocated "common sense conservatism."  The Wall Street Journal, which has the recording, gives excerpts here.  An example:

The more politically open and just China is, the more Chinese citizens of every ethnic group will be able to settle disputes in court rather than on the streets. The more open it is, the less we’ll be concerned about its military buildup and its intentions. The more transparent China is, the more likely it is that they will find a true and lasting friendship based on shared values as well as interests.

Not bad.  The speech is intelligent, whether one agrees with individual points or not.  If Palin makes more speeches like this, and and speaks over the heads of the press, directly to the American people, she could be back in the game.

September 23, 2009